Rating: 
Summary: A Collection Unsurpassed
Review: Although the Classical Pilates Technique DVDs were not shot in an exotic location or on a luxurious set, these are the finest Pilates DVDs on the market. They exhibit the high standards of instruction required of all who were trained in the tradition of Romana Kryzanowska.I have read in other reviews that the instruction does not focus enough on the Breath and must offer my opinion. Joseph Pilates himself said: "Above all, learn to breathe properly." By that, Mr. Pilates meant to take full inhalations and complete exhalations. He believed in a deep lateral breath. My beginning students are always concerned with when to inhale and exhale and I tell them to be more concerned with how, not when, to breathe. The body will find its own natural pattern to assist in the movement. In Ms. Ungaro's directions, I have found a new path to familiar routines and with my own students, I now use many of the powerful images that Mr. Liekens delivers throughout his voiceovers. Two of the DVDs in the collection include discussions, from which much additional information about the Pilates method can be learned. All in all, this collection of Pilates instruction remains unsurpassed.
Rating: 
Summary: Not the worst. Not the best
Review: First of all, it won't play in my DVD player. I think it's foreign in origin and has compatibility issues. I can play it on my computer, however. The best thing about this dvd is that the workouts are truely challenging--something to work towards. The worst (other than it won't play on my dvd) is the difference between the beginner's workout (too easy and slow) and the intermediate (challenging, but very quick in the transitions--and the commentary does not always follow the movements so you have to continously look at the screen). The advanced workouts are truely advanced--some of the moves impossible (and dangerous I'd venture) for someone at the intermediate level. It certainly gives you something to aspire to. All in all, this isn't a bad dvd if you want something authentic. No cheerleaders here. These guys are serious about their pilates
Rating:
Summary: New Level
Review: First off: to be 100% clear you must have a Magic Circle to do this DVD (except for the last segment, Super Advanced Reformer Mat workout). The Magic Circle is easily available on-line or at your local sports equipment store (about $20-$25).
I have been doing the "Classical Pilates: Complete Mat Series" for several months now and I purchased this DVD in the hopes of adding a new element to my workout routine.
This DVD did the trick, the Magic Circle really makes you more aware of your "Powerhouse", and you will feel a burn in your abs. Most of the routines on the DVD just incorporate the Magic Circle into the regular Mat Series exercises, but there are also a few different exercises too.
This is a great DVD to add to your library/routine IF you have been practicing Pilates for a while and want to try something new, (and of course, IF you are willing to invest in a Magic Circle).
The Super Advanced Reformer mat workout segment is a nice bonus, just watching it leaves me in awe. There is a (stringent) warning at the beginning that the routine is only for those who are very advanced -- it kind of left me with the impression that this was for watching and not for doing unless you have one-on-one training with a Certified teacher.
Rating:
Summary: Mastery of the Magic Circle
Review: I am excited and challenged to have this DVD to enhance my original Pilates method mat workout. As an experienced mat student the Magic Circle Mat Workout gives my body another source of information to process as I re-approach the method and add a new level of fitness and awareness. This DVD has excellent visuals, variety of body images and types, great examples of how the muscle groups should look and feel, range of motion, expansion and flexibility of the spine and how to achieve maximum movement for your body. The dynamic verbal instruction guides you through the movements and keeps the mind engaged and focused.
The fabulous soloists clearly show the precise movements, focus, discipline, control, tempo, energy, enthusiasm, rhythm, breathing, articulation of the spine, flexibility and strength that is required to master this technique. This DVD will challenge you to focus the mind and add another layer of fine tuning to imprint in your bodies physical information so that when done properly and exactly as demonstrated you will also achieve this level of fitness.
The Reformer Mat Workout is an excellent example of the precise documentation of the dynamic advanced original Pilates reformer method. As an experienced student of this reformer method I am thrilled to use this workout to keep me re-focusing on the movement without the apparatus. It challenges me to keep the mind engaged in re-learning the method as it should feel with out the aid of the reformer. This is great to do when I am not having a reformer lesson with my classically trained certified Pilates teachers so I can enhance my workouts and work at it as another goal for advancing my fitness.
Rating:
Summary: That was Excellent!
Review: I don't have anything to add the other reviewers , this is a real encyclopedia of exercises , some Ive never heard of like the "reformer mat workout", very interesting and another way to diversify your own routine.
Rating:
Summary: That was Excellent!
Review: I don't have anything to add the other reviewers , this is a real encyclopedia of exercises , some Ive never heard of like the "reformer mat workout", very interesting and another way to diversify your own routine.
Rating:
Summary: As Good As It Gets
Review: I first bought Classical Pilates' Complete Mat Workout Series at Amazon.com and thought it was great. This new DVD expanded my understanding of the Pilates mat series by including a magic circle. The workouts are very challenging and I feel muscles in my "Powerhouse" much better. This is a great instructional DVD for people who want to take their Pilates workout to another level. I'm happy the Classical Pilates group decided to show how Joseph Pilates would spice up his traditional mat workouts. Because I do Pilates, I actually look forward to my exercise time now!
Rating:
Summary: Feeling Better Than Ever
Review: I have always kept in moderately good shape all my life with swimming, walking, aerobics, tennis, and golf. Yet as time goes on (I'm in my 50s) I find it's very helpful to gain deeper muscular strength in such a way that I also increase flexibility. I wish knew about Pilates 30 years ago. But there's good news: it's never too late to start Pilates. Since I bought Classical Pilates other DVD, I thought I would give this one a try. The magic circle Pilates workout is simultaneously gentle and physically challenging. It's also mentally interesting and keeps my attention. I don't get bored, which is very gratifying! Sometimes I workout on the treadmill, but it definitely does not challenge my mind. I can space out and watch TV or listen to music on the treadmill. But with Pilates, my mind and body must try to coordinate all the intriguing movements and goals to improving the movements. I bought this video because it was recommened by a friend, and because of the reviews on Amazon.com. For $19.95 you cannot have a better Pilates training guide, unless you hire a teacher to come to your home. Thank you for making this video.
Rating:
Summary: A New Twist On The Mat
Review: I hesitated buying this exercise video because I assumed adding a magic circle to Pilates mat exercises was a marketing angle. But I underestimated this video. There is a lot of substance and style, which made the $19.95 cost worth every penny. At the beginning, the magic circle is not easy to work with. As you gradually learn the exercises, you start having fun. And you feel the difference! I felt Pilates mat exercises much better, much deeper in my muscles than before. The magic circle somehow makes exercises NEW by making your muscles work differently. You connect with the powerhouse directly! After the magic circle exercise routines, there is something called the Reformer Mat Workout. The entire section is beyond my current ability, but I can do many of the exercises pretty well. These exercises definitely spice up my Pilates mat sessions. My new motto is "Wake up, hit the mat, then live it up!"
Rating:
Summary: Cool Stuff
Review: I just started Pilates a few monts ago, and was looking for a video that added some new movements. This DVD definitely has them using the magic circle. The magic circle keeps my attention and I have to concentrate even more. Also, I feel the muscles in the "Powerhouse" area work intensely. I think this video is terrific for everyone. Yes, it moves fast, but the people show Pilates authentically. These guys don't mess around, which I like. And the workouts are seriously satisfying.
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